Same-sex marriage in Brazil

Legal status of same-sex unions
Marriage
Performed

Argentina
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Colombia
Denmark:
· Denmark proper
· Greenland
Finland*
France
Iceland
Ireland
Luxembourg
Mexico:
· CM, CH, CA,
· CL, GR3, JA,
· MC, MR, NA,
· PU3, QE3,
· QR, CDMX

Netherlands:
· Netherlands proper
New Zealand:
· New Zealand proper
Norway
Portugal
South Africa
Spain
Sweden
United Kingdom:
· England and Wales
· Scotland
· AX and DX, AC*
· BAT, IM, PN
United States:
· United States proper
· GU, MP, PR, VI
· some tribal jurisdictions
Uruguay

Recognized

  1. When performed in Mexican states that have legalized same-sex marriage
  2. When performed in the Netherlands proper
  3. Marriages performed in some municipalities and recognized by the state

* Not yet in effect

LGBT portal

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Brazil since 16 May 2013, following the National Justice Council decision,[1][2] which orders notaries of every state to perform same-sex marriages.[3][4] The ruling is on appeal to the Supreme Court.

Same-sex unions had already been legally recognized since 2004. Following a ruling of the Supreme Court of Brazil, so-called stable unions (Portuguese: união estável) had been available for same-sex couples since May 2011. These unions were granted most of the rights of marriages, including adoption, welfare benefits, pension, inheritance tax, income tax, social security, health benefits, immigration, joint property ownership, hospital and prison visitation, IVF and surrogacy.[5] This decision paved the way for future legislation on same-sex matrimonial rights. Before the nationwide legislation, Alagoas,[6] Bahia,[6][7] Ceará, Espírito Santo, the Federal District, Mato Grosso do Sul, Paraíba, Paraná,[8][9] Piauí, Rio de Janeiro,[10] Rondônia, Santa Catarina, Santa Rita do Sapucaí (MG),[11][12] São Paulo,[13][14] and Sergipe had already allowed same-sex marriages and several unions were converted into full marriages by state judges.[15] In the state of Rio de Janeiro, however, same-sex couples could not marry if local judges did not agree with their request. The other states all recognized the marriages and had registered marriages (often after a judicial approval) on a case-by-case basis.

Nevertheless, on 14 May 2013, the Justice's National Council of Brazil legalized same-sex marriage in the entire country in a 14-1 vote by issuing a ruling that orders all civil registers of the country to perform same-sex marriages and convert any existing civil union into a marriage, if the couple wish so.[1][2][16][17][18][19] Joaquim Barbosa, president of the Council of Justice and the Supreme Federal Court, said that notaries cannot continue to refuse to "perform a civil wedding or the conversion of a stable civil union into a marriage between people of the same sex."[3] The ruling was published on 15 May and took effect on 16 May 2013.[20][21]

Civil unions

In 2004, the first case of recognition of same-sex unions in Brazil occurred with a binational Englishman and a Brazilian. This legal precedent encouraged other couples to marry around the country. At the time of the ceremony, in the form of common-law marriage, this was a status that, until then, was only granted to opposite-sex couples. The couple had lived together for fourteen years, in the Brazilian city of Curitiba.[22]

In 2010, the Foreign Ministry officialized the right of diplomatic LGBT partners of servers working in Brazil's representations abroad. The decision, which includes homosexual and heterosexual partners, was announced internally to embassies and consulates in over 200 countries. According to the Foreign Ministry, the measure must ensure that employees register their LGBT partners to secure their right to stay outside the country. Now, with the grant of diplomatic passports, in practice, means that it would be easier for the partner to obtain a residence permit. This decision complements other resolutions, that has enabled the officials in the Foreign Ministry's services to include same-sex partners as dependents on health plans.[23]

Also in 2010, the state-owned Infraero (Brazilian Company of Airport Infrastructure) came to recognize the stable union between same-sex couples for purposes of granting benefits. The change came with the signing of the new Collective Work Agreement. To receive the benefit, the union must be registered through the public notary.[24]

On 5 May 2011, Brazil's Supreme Federal Court ruled that civil unions must be allowed throughout the country. The decision was approved by 10-0; one judge abstained because he had previously spoken publicly in favor of same-sex unions when he was attorney-general. The ruling resulted in stable partnerships for LGBT having the same financial and social rights enjoyed by those in heterosexual relationships. Civil union of a same-sex couple guarantees the same 112 rights as marriage of opposite-sex couples.[25] Brazil's high court ruling came in response to two lawsuits, one filed by the Rio de Janeiro state government in 2008 and another in 2009 by the Public Ministry, a group of prosecutors that is part of the federal government but independent from its executive, legislative and judicial branches. To qualify as a stable union, same-sex couples can officially register as a civil union or prove it the same way some heterosexual couples do, by having a bank account together or living at the same address.[26]

On 17 June 2011, a judge from Goiânia, Jeronymo Pedro Villas Boas, annulled the first civil union that happened in the country, between Liorcino Mendes and Odilio Torres, and also ordered all notaries in Goiânia to not issue civil unions anymore.[27][28][29][30] Villas Boas, who is also a church pastor of the Assembleia de Deus, claimed that same-sex unions are unconstitutional.[31] On 21 June, another judge, Beatriz Figueiredo Franco, cancelled Villas Boas decision, making the union valid again.[32] Concerned, Liorcino Mendes and Odilio Torres signed again another civil union in Rio de Janeiro.[33]

On 27 June 2011, a Brazilian judge in the State of São Paulo converted a civil union into a same-sex marriage. It is not clear whether the ruling presents a precedent for additional same-sex marriages. The Supreme Federal Court had ruled in May that same-sex marriages are not required by the constitution of Brazil.[34] On 28 June, another stable union between same-sex couples was converted into a marriage. This time it was Judge Jennifer Antunes de Souza, the 4th of Brasília Family Court, who upheld the order.

On 7 June 2013, the Brazilian Air Force recognized the "stable union" of a sergeant and his partner after he presented a notarized deed documenting their relationship; the Air Force did not comment on the recognition, and could not confirm if the relationship was the first same-sex union certified by the branch.[35] On 8 August 2013, Judge Elio Siqueira of the 5th region TRF ruled on appeal that the Brazilian Army must recognize the civil union (performed in January 2012 in Pernambuco) of a servicemember and his same-sex partner, and must also accord a military spousal pension to the partner. It marked the first time that a state-recognized same-sex union was recognized by the Army.[36][37]

Same-sex marriage

Recognition of same-sex unions in South America
  Marriage
  Other type of partnership
  Unrecognized
  Same-sex marriage banned
  Same-sex sexual activity illegal
----

Marriage law is governed by federal rather than state law and involves issuing of a marriage certificate by a notary. In May 2011, the Supreme Federal Court decided that the present marriage law already did allow for both opposite and same-sex marriages. Based on this decision, many states amended its guidances for issuing marriage certificates to implement the Supreme Court decision and allow same-sex marriage through a notary. In other states notaries who preside over marriage licenses and perform marriages are required by judicial order to provide such services to same-sex couples.[3]

National Justice Council ruling

On 14 May 2013, The Justice's National Council of Brazil legalized same-sex marriage in the entire country in a 14–1 vote, via a ruling that orders all civil registers of the country to perform same-sex marriages and to convert any existing civil unions into marriages if the couple so desires.[1][2][16][17][18][19] Joaquim Barbosa, president of the Council of Justice and the Supreme Federal Court, said in the decision that notaries cannot continue to refuse to "perform a civil wedding or the conversion of a stable civil union into a marriage between persons of the same sex."[3][4][38]

On 21 May 2013, the Social Christian Party (SCP) lodged an appeal of the National Council's decision in the Supreme Federal Court of Brazil. The party alleged that the Council had committed an abuse of power and that legalising same-sex marriage was a matter exclusively for the legislature to decide.[39] For the time being, the appeal does not affect the Council's original decision in favour of same-sex marriage. On 30 May 2013, the Supreme Federal Court rejected the appeal on technical grounds, stating that the SCP had used the wrong form of appeal. The Court held that the National Council's decision could only be challenged through a "direct action for unconstitutionality" (ação direta de inconstitucionalidade) rather than an action for injunction (mandado de segurança).[40] On 6 June 2013, the SCP re-lodged the appeal.[41][42] On 28 August 2013, the Procuradoria Geral da República (Attorney General) forwarded to the Supreme Court an opinion in favor of same-sex marriage in Brazil.[43]

Religious protection amendments

A Brazilian legislative commission for human rights recommended in October 2013 a measure that would ensure that religious bodies would not be required to solemnize same-sex marriages. The proposal would allow a religious body to decline to officiate at marriages of those "who violate its values, doctrines, and beliefs." The proposal will be brought forward in Brazil's legislature if it is approved by a constitutional committee.[44]

Timeline prior to 2013 ruling

Individual cases

In several individual cases, marriage licenses were granted, often through the decision of a judge. Notable cases include:

State-wide

The 2011 Supreme court decision gave rise to several states explicitly altering their procedures enabling same-sex couples to marry in a manner that is bureaucratically identical to opposite-sex couples. Those states are listed below:

Marriage statistics

From May to December 2013, approximately 3,800 same-sex marriages were celebrated in the country. Of those marriages, 52% were between women and 48% were between men.[74]

In 2014, 4,854 same-sex couples married in Brazil. 60,7% of those marriages were performed in the Southeast Region (Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo). 15,4% were performed in the South Region (Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul and Santa Catarina), 13,6% in the Northeast Region (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Maranhão, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte and Sergipe), 6,9% in the Central-West Region (Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul as well as the Federal District) and 3,4% in the North Region (Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Roraima and Tocantins). In the Southeast Region, the state of São Paulo had the highest percentage of same-sex marriages. In the South, most marriages took place in Santa Catarina. In the Central-West Region, Goiás and the Federal District had an equal percentage and in the North, Pará registered the most same-sex marriages. 50,3% of same-sex couples that married in 2014 were lesbian couples while 49,7% were gay male couples.[75]

Public opinion

According to Pew Research Center survey, conducted between 4 November 2013 and 14 February 2014, 45% of Brazilians supported same-sex marriage, 48% were opposed.[76][77]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 "CNJ obriga cartórios a celebrar casamento entre homossexuais" (in Portuguese). Estadao.com.br. 2013-05-14. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  2. 1 2 3 Brazil judicial panel clears way for gay marriage
  3. 1 2 3 4 Marilia Brocchetto, CNN (15 May 2013). "Brazilian judicial council: Notaries must recognize same-sex marriage - CNN.com". CNN. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  4. 1 2 "Brazil Clears Way For Gay Marriage". Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  5. ↑ União civil entre pessoas do mesmo sexo (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender [LGBT] civil unions in Brazil) (Portuguese)
  6. 1 2 3 "Brazil's most populous state to allow same-sex marriage". Washington Blade. 21 December 2012.
  7. 1 2 "Bahia legaliza casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo (Bahia legalizes marriage between people of the same sex". A Tarde (in Portuguese). 10 October 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  8. 1 2 Joyce Carvalho (4 April 2013). "Casamento gay está valendo em todo o Paraná". Parana-Online (in Portuguese). Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  9. 1 2 3 "Paraná e Mato Grosso do Sul autorizam casamento gay". Athos (in Portuguese). 4 April 2013. Retrieved 5 April 2013.
  10. 1 2 "Rio de Janeiro state legalizes gay marriage". 17 April 2013. Retrieved 22 April 2013.
  11. ↑ "G1 - Após liberação da Justiça, Santa Rita do Sapucaí tem 1º casamento gay - notícias em Sul de Minas". Sul de Minas. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  12. ↑ "G1 - Casamento homossexual é liberado pela Justiça em cidade no Sul de MG - notícias em Sul de Minas". Sul de Minas. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  13. ↑ "Brazil: Court ruling means all gay couples can legally marry in the state of São Paulo". Pink News. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2013.
  14. ↑ "São Paulo court guarantees same-sex marriages". Gay Star News. 21 December 2012. Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  15. ↑ John Lyons (6 May 2011). "Brazil Top Court Grants Equal Rights to Same-Sex Unions". Retrieved 20 January 2012.
  16. 1 2 "G1 - Decisão do CNJ obriga cartórios a fazer casamento homossexual - notícias em Política". Política. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  17. 1 2 "Jornal do Brasil". Jornal do Brasil. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  18. 1 2 Romero, Simon (May 14, 2013). "Brazilian Court Council Removes a Barrier to Same-Sex Marriage". New York Times. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  19. 1 2 Teacherken (May 15, 2013). "country with most Catholics effectively legalizes gay marriage". DailyKos. Retrieved May 15, 2013.
  20. ↑ (Portuguese) DIÁRIO DA JUSTIÇA CONSELHO NACIONAL DE JUSTIÇA Edição nº 89/2013
  21. ↑ (Portuguese) Regra que obriga cartórios a fazer casamento gay vale a partir do dia 16
  22. ↑ "Primeiro casal gay a registrar união no país completa 20 anos". Journal Comunicacao (in Portuguese). 18 April 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  23. ↑ "Itamaraty reconhece os parceiros Gays de diplomatas brasileiros" (in Portuguese). 14 July 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  24. ↑ "Infraero reconhece os cônjuges de seus empregados Homossexuais" (in Portuguese). 6 October 2010. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  25. ↑ "Casais gays conquistam 112 direitos com decisão do STF" (in Portuguese). 6 May 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  26. ↑ "Same-sex unions recognized by Brazil's high court" (in Portuguese). 6 May 2011. Retrieved 16 January 2013.
  27. ↑ Goiás judge annuls first gay union after Supreme Court's decision (Portuguese)
  28. ↑ Judge annuls stable union contract between homosexuals (Portuguese)
  29. ↑ Homosexual union will go back to Supreme Court (Portuguese)
  30. ↑ Brazilian judge declares Supreme Tribunal decision favoring civil unions 'unconsitutional [sic]' (English)
  31. ↑ Judge accused of insubordination that annulled gay union is pastor of Assembleia de Deus (Portuguese)
  32. ↑ Beatriz cancels decision by Jerônymo Villas Boas (Portuguese)
  33. ↑ Goiás judge who annulled union of gay couple denies being homophobic (Portuguese)
  34. ↑ The first gay marriage in Brazil (English)
  35. ↑ "FAB reconhece como dependente marido de sargento homossexual ("FAB recognizes husband of homosexual Sergeant as dependent")".
  36. ↑ Raphael Guerra (2013-08-08). "Justiça é favorável à união gay no Exército ("Justice is in favor of gay unions in the Army")". Diario de Pernambuco.
  37. ↑ Staff Reports (August 8, 2013). "Justiça manda Exército reconhecer companheiro de sargento gay ("Judge mandates Army recognizes gay partnership of sergeant")". Tribuna de Alagoas.
  38. ↑ "Judges clear the way for gay marriage throughout Brazil". Gay Star News. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  39. ↑ "EBC - PSC recorre ao Supremo contra decisão sobre casamento gay". EBC. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  40. ↑ "Ministro do STF arquiva aусo do PSC contra casamento gay". O POVO. 2013-05-30. Retrieved 2014-04-05.
  41. ↑ (Portuguese) PSC entra com nova ação no STF contra casamento gay em cartório
  42. ↑ (Portuguese) PSC volta a acionar STF contra casamento gay em cartórios
  43. ↑ O Globo (28 August 2013). "Procuradoria encaminha para o STF parecer favorável ao casamento gay". O Globo. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  44. ↑ "Brazil: proposal would allow churches to decline same-sex marriages". Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  45. ↑ Marriage news watch (English)
  46. ↑ "Reconhecido casamento entre homens registrado no exterior". Notícias JusBrasil (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  47. ↑ "Casais gays encontram facilidade para casar no RS". Zero Hora (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  48. ↑ "Pará faz primeiro casamento civil comunitário gay". Diario Online (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  49. ↑ "Alagoas regulamenta o casamento civil entre gays em todos os cartórios do estado - Brasil em Política no A Capa". UOL (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  50. ↑ "PROVIMENTO Nº 40, DE 06 DE DEZEMBRO DE 2011". JusBrazil (in Portuguese). 7 December 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
  51. ↑ "Marriage open to gay couples in Sergipe" (PDF) (in Portuguese). 5 July 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  52. ↑ "Casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo é liberado pela Justiça em Santa Rita do Sapucaí" (in Portuguese). 9 July 2012.
  53. ↑ "Espirito Santo's legalization of gay marriage" (PDF) (in Portuguese). 15 August 2012. Retrieved 26 February 2013.
  54. ↑ "Provimento Conjunto trata de união homoafetiva". Tribunal de Justiça do Estado da Bahia (official web site of the state supreme court).
  55. ↑ "Bahia já pode oficializar casamento homoafetivo". Bahia24/7 (in Portuguese). 27 November 2012. Retrieved 27 November 2012.
  56. ↑ Soraya Sobreira (1 December 2012). "Para a lei, já não há mais diferença [English: For the law, there is no difference anymore]". Journal de Brasilia (in Portuguese). Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  57. ↑ "Corregedoria do TJ regulamenta casamento gay no Piauí". Diario de Teresina (in Portuguese). 15 December 2012. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  58. ↑ "provimento N° 24/2012 – CGJ/PI" (PDF). Piauí, Diário da Justiça (in Portuguese). 17 December 2012. p. 2. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  59. ↑ "Tribunal divulga norma que regulamenta casamento gay em SP". Globo.com (in Portuguese). 18 December 2013. Retrieved 15 January 2013.
  60. ↑ "Justiça do Ceará autoriza casamento gay". Mixbrasil.uol.com (in Portuguese). 8 March 2013. Retrieved 8 March 2013.
  61. ↑ "Corregadoria geral da Justiça Provimento N.º 02/2013" (in Portuguese) (677). Estado do Ceará, Diário da Justiça Eletrônico. 8 March 2013: 8–12. Os Cartórios de Registro Civil de Pesso as Naturais do Estado de Sergipe deverão receber os pedidos de habilitação para casamento de pessoas do mesmo sexo, procedendo na forma do artigo 1.526 da Lei nº 10.406/2002
  62. ↑ Modesto, Luiz (26 March 2013). "Justiça do Paraná autoriza casamentos homoafetivos. Cartórios já estão cientes e não podem se negar a realizar uniões" [Paraná regulates same-sex marriage throughout its territory] (in Portuguese). Retrieved 2 April 2013.
  63. ↑ "CGJ-PR divulga instrução sobre procedimentos de habilitação para casamentos homossexuais, instrução normativa Nº 2/2013". Promad.com.br. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013. Que os magistrados e agentes delegados dos Registros Civis de Pessoas Naturais do Estado do Paraná observem as decisões proferidas pelo Superior Tribunal de Justiça (REsp nº 1.183.378-RS) e por esta Corregedoria da Justiça (autos de consulta nº 2013.49650-9/000), procedendo à habilitação de pessoas do mesmo sexo para o casamento civil, nos termos dos artigos 1.525 e seguintes da Lei Federal nº 10.406/2002 (Código Civil).
  64. ↑ "Tribunal de Justiça autoriza casamento gay em Mato Grosso do Sul" [Court allows gay marriage in Mato Grosso do Sul] (in Portuguese). Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  65. ↑ "Provimento Nº 80, de 25 de marco de 2013". Diário de Justiça do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Retrieved 3 April 2013. Considerando o princípio advindo da decisão do Supremo Tribunal Federal, na ADI 4277/DF, que passou a admitir a habilitação direta para o casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo sem a necessidade do prévio reconhecimento da união estável
  66. ↑ "Rio de Janeiro facilita casamento gay em todo estado; uniões ainda passam por aval de juiz". Acapa. 19 April 2013. Retrieved 23 April 2013.
  67. ↑ "Casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo é autorizado em Rondônia" (in Portuguese). 26 April 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  68. ↑ "Casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo é autorizado em Rondônia". Orodoniense. 26 April 2013. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  69. ↑ "Casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo é autorizado em Rondônia". UmOutroolhar. 27 April 2013. Retrieved 29 April 2013. Dispõe sobre a habilitação direta para o casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo e conversão de união estável em casamento nas serventias extrajudiciais do Estado de Rondônia.
  70. ↑ "CGJ autoriza casamento entre pessoas do mesmo sexo em SC". Globo (in Portuguese). 29 April 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  71. ↑ "Paraíba passa a ser o 13º Estado brasileiro a consentir o casamento homoafetivo" (in Portuguese). 29 April 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  72. ↑ "ATOS DA CORREGEDORIA-GERAL". Diario do Justica Electronico (in Portuguese). 29 April 2013. p. 4. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  73. ↑ "Paraíba autoriza casamento gay". Mix Brasil (in Portuguese). 29 April 2013. Retrieved 30 April 2013.
  74. ↑ How the first year of same-sex marriages in Brazil went?
  75. ↑ (Portuguese) Casamentos gays aumentam 31,2% em 2014 no Brasil, diz IBGE
  76. ↑ "Social Attitudes on Moral Issues in Latin America - Pew Research Center". Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  77. ↑ "Appendix A: Methodology". Pew Research Center's Religion & Public Life Project. 13 November 2014. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
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